MPD officer on Molokai arrested on drug-related charges

Daniel Imakyure is a 10-year veteran of the department

The Maui News

A 39-year-old Maui Police Department officer was arrested Friday on Molokai for promoting a dangerous drug in the first degree.

Chief Tivoli Faaumu in a video statement identified the officer as Daniel Imakyure. Imakyure was released pending further investigation and placed on “administrative leave with pay and his police powers removed,” Faaumu said.

Imakyure, who has served the department since 2009, was arrested at 5 p.m. Friday in Kaunakakai for offenses including criminal attempt and attempting to aid another, along with promoting a dangerous drug in the first degree and criminal conspiracy, according to police information.

“I want to reassure the public that any wrongdoing by any of my officers will not be tolerated,” Faaumu said. “Any Maui Police Department employee that violates the law will be held accountable both criminally and internally.”

He added that, as with any arrest, innocence is presumed until the individual is proven guilty in a court of law.

Earlier this year, the police Criminal Investigation Division received information suggesting an officer was connected to drug-related activity on Molokai. “Credibility and veracity of the information was vetted and provided probable cause to initiate a criminal and concurrent internal investigation,” an MPD news release said.

Search warrants for cellphones, computers and lockers were obtained and Maui detectives executed the warrants Friday, which lead to the arrest, police said. Imakyure had not been charged as of Saturday.

“The investigation is ongoing. Upon completion of the investigation, we will present our evidence in court,” Faaumu said. “We will not present our case on television, in print or on social media.”

Imakyure received the Scholastic Achievement Award during his 72nd Recruit Class graduation in July 2010, a Maui News article said.